Psalm 85:4

Restore us, O God of our salvation, and put away Your displeasure toward us.

Study Bible

Restore us
The Hebrew word used here is "שׁוּב" (shuv), which means to return or turn back. This plea for restoration is not just a physical return but a spiritual renewal. The Israelites often found themselves in cycles of disobedience and repentance, and this cry reflects their desire to return to a state of favor with God. Historically, this reflects the periods of exile and return, where the people of Israel longed for a restoration of their land and relationship with God.

O God of our salvation
This phrase emphasizes the recognition of God as the ultimate source of deliverance and salvation. The Hebrew word for salvation, "יְשׁוּעָה" (yeshuah), is closely related to the name Yeshua, or Jesus, in the New Testament, highlighting the continuity of God's saving work throughout the Bible. The Israelites understood that their salvation was not just from physical enemies but from spiritual bondage, a theme that resonates with the Christian understanding of salvation through Christ.

and put away Your indignation
The word "indignation" in Hebrew is "כַּעַס" (ka'as), which refers to anger or wrath. This plea is for God to turn away His righteous anger, which was often a response to the people's sin and rebellion. In the historical context, God's indignation was experienced through various judgments, such as invasions or exiles. Theologically, this reflects the need for repentance and the hope that God, in His mercy, will forgive and restore His people.

against us
This phrase personalizes the plea, acknowledging that the people themselves are the recipients of God's indignation due to their actions. It is a collective confession of guilt and a recognition of the need for divine intervention. In the broader scriptural context, this reflects the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where disobedience led to consequences, but repentance could restore favor.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Sons of Korah
The authors of Psalm 85, a group of Levitical singers and musicians who played a significant role in temple worship.

2. Israel
The nation to whom the Psalm is addressed, representing the people of God seeking restoration and favor.

3. God of our salvation
A title for God emphasizing His role as the deliverer and redeemer of His people.

4. Displeasure of God
Refers to God's righteous anger or judgment towards His people due to their sin and disobedience.

5. Restoration
The act of God bringing His people back into a right relationship with Him, often following repentance and forgiveness.

Teaching Points

Understanding God's Displeasure
Recognize that God's displeasure is a response to sin, but it is not His final word. His desire is for restoration and reconciliation.

The Role of Repentance
True restoration begins with acknowledging our sins and turning back to God. Repentance is a key step in experiencing God's forgiveness and favor.

God as the Source of Salvation
Emphasize that God alone is the source of our salvation and restoration. Our efforts are insufficient without His intervention.

The Power of Prayer
Encourage believers to pray earnestly for personal and communal restoration, trusting in God's willingness to restore.

Hope in God's Faithfulness
Despite past failures, there is hope in God's unchanging nature and His promises to restore those who seek Him.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the plea for restoration in Psalm 85:4 reveal about the relationship between God and His people?

2. How can we apply the principle of seeking God's restoration in our personal lives today?

3. In what ways does understanding God's displeasure help us appreciate His grace and mercy?

4. How do the additional scriptures connected to Psalm 85:4 enhance our understanding of God's desire to restore His people?

5. What practical steps can we take to ensure we are living in a state of continual restoration and right relationship with God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Chronicles 7:14
This verse speaks about God's promise to heal the land if His people humble themselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from their wicked ways, which parallels the plea for restoration in Psalm 85:4.

Isaiah 57:15
Highlights God's willingness to revive the spirit of the humble and contrite, aligning with the theme of restoration.

Hosea 6:1-2
Describes a call to return to the Lord for healing and restoration, similar to the plea in Psalm 85:4.

Acts 3:19
Encourages repentance and turning to God so that times of refreshing may come, echoing the desire for restoration.

James 4:8
Invites believers to draw near to God with the promise that He will draw near to them, reflecting the relational aspect of restoration.